Amy Dowden supported by Strictly co-stars after update on breast cancer battle - 'Bruised and sore'
Amy Dowden shares cancer battle update
INSTAGRAM/AMY DOWDEN
Strictly Come Dancing star Amy Dowden has taken to Instagram to reveal to fans she's preparing for chemotherapy.
The dancer shared a candid post in which she informed her fanbase she'll be regularly documenting her "chemo journey" in the hopes of "raising awareness".
Dowden shared a handful of snaps and clips from hospital when she's recently had ports fitted to help with the process.
The 32-year-old penned: "I’ve decided I want to share my chemo journey to help raise awareness, hopefully get others checking and for understanding what we go through.
"Port fitted! Wasn’t looking forward to it. Wasn’t easy… my veins!"
Revealing the effects of the procedure: "Feeling tender, bruised and sore but the port will help massively over the next few weeks and allow me to dance when I feel well enough.
"A port sits under the skin and the tube goes along my vein to the heart giving safe access for chemo (I believe, I’m no dr!)
Amy Dowden opened up about her latest procedure
INSTAGRAM/AMY DOWDEN
"Rrrrrrright that’s done! Ps don’t swipe to last slide if squeamish! #chemo #chemoport #breastcancer #breastcanceryoung #cancer #chemotherapy #checkyourchest #checkyourself #breastcancerawarness." (sic)
The first few snaps showed Dowden putting on a brave face in her hospital scrubs before the final slides showed the bloody aftermath of the operation.
It didn't take long for Dowden's fans to send their well wishes and praise the dancer for her candor, including a number of her Strictly family.
Gorka Marquez shared a series of love heart emojis alongside the caption: "You got this Amy."
Strictly judge Motsi Mabuse added: "Thinking of you. Sending love and I am very sure you are inspiring and giving courage to everyone," followed by love heart emojis.
Former Strictly dancer James Jordan commented: "Sending love [love heart emoji]. Strength and healing prayer."
And TV presenter Gaby Roslin weighed in: "Sending love and light and many hugs."
While Kevin Clifton shared a handful of heart emojis and former Strictly contestant Kym Marsh commented: "Brave lady xx."
The outpouring of support led to Dowden sharing another statement on her Instagram story, thanking her followers for their kind words and reflecting on her cancer battle.
She penned: "Thanks for all the comments and messages today! I've sat here tonight and thought wow my body has been through so much in the past 6-7 weeks.
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Amy Dowden issued a statement thanking fans for their support
INSTAGRAM/AMY DOWDEN
"Masectomy, fertility treatment due to the next few stages, a little crohns flare up and now chemo and hormone treatment.
"Just shows when you need to be, you can be strong, stronger than you think possible.
"It's certainly changed my outlook on life and I just need to push through these next few months and I'm determined I will.
"But has also shown me how lucky I am to have so many loved ones around me and the support from you guys! THANK YOU!
"It means so much and has helped me these last few weeks more than you will ever know," Dowden added before she encouraged: "Now please remember to check yourselves." (sic)